- cross-posted to:
- world@quokk.au
- france@lemmit.online
- cross-posted to:
- world@quokk.au
- france@lemmit.online
Summary
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered a “zero-for-zero” deal to eliminate all industrial tariffs with the U.S., following Trump’s 20% tariff hike on EU goods.
The offer revives a proposal from a decade ago that was nearly finalized under the TTIP — the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership — that was ultimately scuppered by Trump in his first term.
The deal would cover cars, chemicals, and other industrial goods. Trump’s tariffs have rattled global markets, with EU stocks seeing their steepest drop since COVID-19.
The EU warned it is also ready with countermeasures if negotiations fail.
“This is the carrot. Take it. You really won’t like the stick.”
Why are they throwing him this lifeline?
Let it all burn
Because it’s something the EU wanted and didn’t get in the last round. It’ll be funny if Trump accepts because it basically concedes that his negotiating position is weaker than it was eight years ago.
I’m with you though. I think a united front from all the countries where Trump imposed tariffs would be more effective at nipping this nonsense in the bud. And I think countries are shortsighted if they don’t recognize that the U.S. is becoming a fundamentally unreliable negotiating partner and their approach to negotiating with the U.S. should reflect that.
Great answer; thanks
But Trump is a bully, and if he feels like there is any concession at all he will just double down and bully more.
The best option is to stand up to him with every ounce of strength.
LMAO embarassing…
Why is that embarrassing? Trump offers trade war, EUs counterproposal is tread deal. Much better to all involved… and also Trump most likely won’t agree.
This isn’t caving. This is the deal they originally wanted, before Trump intervened in his first term. Trump will refuse, and then the EU can say “I thought you wanted fair trade” before retaliating. Maybe it’s embarrassing for the US.
I’d offer war, basically. But I understand your point of view and I hope it is the better course of action.
I wouldn’t be so categorical. Negotiation require some level of flexibility.
If the Americans fail to act in a good faith manner, you can always implement reciprocal tariffs later on.
I admit being a little too extreme, but what makes them think USA could ever act in good faith at this point?
Fair point.
I don’t actually think US will act in good faith. While there are a lot of sane Americans, IMO they lack gumption and risk-tolerance to address corruption and degeneracy in their society. I genuinely hope I am seriously wrong on this, but we’ll see.
That’s the thing. They’re not saying they’re stopping the retaliatory tariffs. They’re still going to implement them, but they’re giving Trump an out (which he won’t take)
Yep this will make Trump look like an even bigger idiot, because he wont agree. So not a bad move at all probably.
Americans already failed to act in a good faith by applying tariffs without negotiations or anything. What EU is doing right now is caving to Orange bully instead of standing up. As we always do.
While I am rather sceptical of EU’s negotiation approach (I am from Ukraine so I have real life experience with Merkel and russia), with this particular case I think it makes sense to give it just but more time.
Since you’re from Ukraine then you certainly also think that we shall give Putin more time, right? :-) You freaking don’t turn the other cheek to bullies, it doesn’t work, except it encourages them to do more of the same… 🤷♂️
Start with those coutermeasure first.